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Page 239
responses, and Ian's, wing clear and firm to the outer circle of witnesses in the church porch, heard the happy "Fiat! Fiat!" of approval roar back in confirmation.
The women pressed around Alinor to kiss her and wish her well, and the men to kiss and embrace Ian. William of Pembroke said soberly, "God help you; she is a devil unconfined. But if you treat her ill, you must answer to me." At which Ian did not take offense. It would have been hard to find anything that would offend him that day. Besides, he understood. William had stood as father to the bride, Alinor being totally without male relations to protect her interests. He was not implying any distrust of Ian, as the first part of his statement indicated, merely affirming that he took his responsibility seriously. Sir Giles behind Pembroke laughed aloud. "Lady Alinor can take care of herself; you had done better to have warned Lord Ian to guard himself." Yet Ian had almost to fight for his right to lift Alinor to the saddle for the return to the keep. Part of the reason for the rush to assist him was, of course, concern for his lameness, but a good part was also affection for Alinor. No man wished her day to be spoiled, and all feared that Ian would falter and drop her.
He did not, and would not have done so to ease any pain. They rode back, side by side now, through the streets of the town where oxen, sheep and pigs were already near-finished roasting at bonfires on almost every crossing, and huge tuns of ale and coarse wine were being broached. Of all the businesses, only the bakeshops were open. Bread and cake and pies were to be had for the asking. On Alinor's wedding day, no man, woman or child would go hungry or thirsty or need to beg.
They were cheered for that, of course, but it was for more than that. There were those who ran along beside Alinor's mare to kiss her foot or her stirrup or the hem of her gown. Many she called by name. It was as well,

 
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